Our prompt today is an anonymous contribution: Treasure Also, after today there are 13 Sundays left this year. Only one is taken. If any one out there wants to grab a date, now is the time to do so. Send me PM or an email.

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wow, the plot thickens. There's more to Camille than meets the eye then. See why you wanted the list of girlfriends, and they all fitted into the story very well too. Can't wait til next week now, for the following installment.

Originally posted by KT1972 There's more to Camille than meets the eye then.

KT, I don't know if that was intentional, but *groan*!

Jublke, this is a great piece, and I love how it starts filling in the gaps! I'm looking forward to the rest of this story!

KT & TJ: Thanks! I hope I can come up with something by next week. Writing a new installment a week is hard! I have some vague ideas where I want to take this - and I know where it ends up (parts of it, at least) - but how to get there, that is the question.

jublke: This is coming along great. (I know I owe you an email, sorry, I'm behind on email ...) I loved the wanting to punch Mark and his big blue eyes. And poor Mark being in the awful position of not only being asked to look into Jason's girlfriend, but feeling with Jason's track record that he actually has to do it. I'm sure he agonized over whether he should tell Jason the Patient Alpha thing. Very curious to see how Jason's going to handle knowing. I can kind of picture an ugly confrontation with her dad, heh. Though does dad even know who she's really dating?

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Hey, EW, relax! Let it be! I wonder though if they sent the tampons recorded delivery...

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EW, I had no idea that Japan had such creative tampons! pictures, please? KT, that's an interesting scene... I wonder what caused Nambu to give that information to her now, as opposed to earlier?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun KT, that's an interesting scene... I wonder what caused Nambu to give that information to her now, as opposed to earlier?

Maybe I can answer that with a little personal experience. My first sister-in-law died just before my niece's 3rd birthday. While we knew she'd cherish anything of her mother's, we held off on giving them to her until she was old enough to take proper care of the items, because we knew she'd want to share them with her children, if she ever had any.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite My first sister-in-law died just before my niece's 3rd birthday. While we knew she'd cherish anything of her mother's, we held off on giving them to her until she was old enough to take proper care of the items, because we knew she'd want to share them with her children, if she ever had any.

That's fair enough, but you'd think that Jun has been old enough to take proper care of things (she runs her own business, for goodness' sake) for a few years now.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by ElectricWhite My first sister-in-law died just before my niece's 3rd birthday. While we knew she'd cherish anything of her mother's, we held off on giving them to her until she was old enough to take proper care of the items, because we knew she'd want to share them with her children, if she ever had any.

That's fair enough, but you'd think that Jun has been old enough to take proper care of things (she runs her own business, for goodness' sake) for a few years now.

True, but parents (and parental figures, for that matter), can be among the last to acknowledge a kid's grown up. For instance, until she died, my mom kept insisting that I paint my bedroom pink and have lace everywhere because "it's a proper girl's bedroom" -- never mind that I was on my own and raising a kid!

Originally posted by Daniella T Hey, EW, relax! Let it be!

I appreciate the thought, DT, but -- [starts coughing and fumbles for an asthma inhaler...]

EW: The boys of G-Force truly are fearless, buying tampons and everything! KT: Aw ... I wish they'd taken the time to go more into Jun's backstory, she's the only one who's left almost a complete blank throughout the 3 series (despite the "finding Jinpei and raising him").

Originally posted by ChrisW Aw ... I wish they'd taken the time to go more into Jun's backstory, she's the only one who's left almost a complete blank throughout the 3 series (despite the "finding Jinpei and raising him").

Me too, but that just leaves a lot more fodder for fanfic. Why I myself have written at least 4 different backgrounds for the Swan...

Originally posted by jublke KT & TJ: I have some vague ideas where I want to take this - and I know where it ends up (parts of it, at least) - but how to get there, that is the question.

Ah, a writer after my own heart! I like writing endings first as well... Throughly enjoying this tale, and all its twisty turns, keep up the good work...

KT, very sweet and sad little story. You don't mince words with emotion, do you? I would have loved to be looking over Jun's shoulder at the contents.

Originally posted by k2p2 I would have loved to be looking over Jun's shoulder at the contents.

yeah, me too.......

Originally posted by ChrisW EW: The boys of G-Force truly are fearless, buying tampons and everything!

And I also think it's a statement on how bad things were getting -- how moody does a girl have to be to make guys buy tampons willingly ?

KT: That's so nice, for Jun! I wonder if Nambu has anything for the others too.

Jublke: what a great piece! This really puts Camille in a different light - no pun intended, just to point it out before EW spots it! - and places Jason in a very difficult position. However, he has to remember that, whatever happened, it was not his fault...I really wonder whether Camille knows what happened.

Originally posted by Daniella T no pun intended, just to point it out before EW spots it!

Originally posted by KT1972

Originally posted by k2p2 I would have loved to be looking over Jun's shoulder at the contents.

yeah, me too.......

Same wish here! Such a priceless treasure you've given her, KT! I'd Nambu for not giving it to her earlier!

Jublike ... I'm liking this story more and more! Things really seem to be taking a very interesting path, especially where Camille's character is involved! Poor Jason ... even though Mark has rested his mind about her credibility, assuring him that she has no Spectran involvement, he still has something blocking his way to an easy relationship! Can't wait to read more! EW ... LOL, I really couldn't see the word "bloody" going the way things went as you wrote the passage! The way your mind works always impresses me! Yeah ... you surely have a bunch of lovely friends to treasure!

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love the antagonism between Joe and Ryu, but why was Ryu so against the visit? And will Joe explain his reasons for wanting to take her in such a manner?

k2: I can understand both Joe's and Ryu's POVs. I guess Marie was asleep and they didn't actually meet?

Joe has his reasons, huh? I wonder if this has anything to do with the 'assignment' he got from Nambu a couple of postings ago...

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Woah, TJ, strong stuff.... seems like she will be facing the toughest fight of all, hope it all works out well...

Nice little story there, TJ....and that reminds me....hee hee.... Heck, if she's feeling old at forty, then I must be positvely ancient.

Actually, KT, I wasn't thinking of anything bad necessarily happening... more that at 40, regular mammograms become standard preventative procedures. But it's a weird thing... when I was younger (heck, even now) I thought of mammograms as being for 'old ladies'... and I think there's still some of that feeling there in society. Basically it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Gatchaman just turned 40... so the 2 ideas clicked together in my head. Oh yeah, and I wrote this while waiting in the doctor's office for my own 'examination'. K2, I'm right there with you! But there's a time at which ever woman has to face the painful realization that she is no longer 'young'... and if you're no longer 'young', that really only leaves the option of being 'old'. This was a bit of a 'reality check' for Jun in that sense.

ok, TJ, just here in the UK, regular screening doesn't begin til age 50, under that age will only be done if the woman has detected a suspicious lump that needs examining.

Hmmm, I was thinking the same thing KT. Here in Ontario it is recommended women go when they turn 50, although the majority of women feel it should be mandatory in their 40's.

Same here in BC ... but whether it's 40 or 50, I can see why a mammogram would feel like a step into old age. The first time I really felt old was when my Dr said "you're getting to the age when ..." Mind you, this is the same man who cackles every year around my birthday and points out I'm a few weeks older than him. He better watch out if I ever end up with a cane! I'm whacking him with it!

k2: Ooooh I can just picture Joe hissing "I have my reasons!" I wouldn't want to cross him when he's in such a mood!

TJ: What a way to combine Awareness Month and Gatchaman at 40! Somehow I never thought of mammograms as being "for old ladies" -- I had my first one two years ago, and I never associated it with age. That's probably because I still feel around 15 most of the time, LOL! And don't you think that still being "into" Gatchaman has helped us feeling young?

//Exhausted, at the end of the first day of the Conference, Sarah met Anderson for a night cap at the hotel bar. The long mahogany bar, the velvet-covered bar stools, the colourful rows of bottle on the shelves across from her, were a pleasant distraction from the world of battle preparations that she spent most of her life in. Suddenly, she felt awkward and...shy, yes that was it. She hadn't spoken to Anderson, really spoken to him, since their morning walk, when everything had changed. Then came the intensive work on the conference's panels -- punctuated by a sudden appearance by Anderson's old friend Angus, who apparently now wished to go by the name of Cronus -- which left no time to the two of them to talk freely again. So now, she was waiting for him. As a girlfriend would wait her boyfriend, if she remembered these things correctly...it had been so long...so long... Sarah realised she was drifting off. She shook her head, took a sip of her kir royal. Yes, she mentally replied to a mental rebuke. Champagne cocktail, you got a problem? And then there he was. Right beside her, still dressed in the same crumpled suit, glasses hanging askew, hair ruffled, eyes bloodshot. Sarah's heart gave a jolt. He was so...adorable, she had to take a grip of herself to stop herself from jumping up and hugging him. Instead, she smiled, and nodded at the seat next to her. "Finished?" "Not really, but I could use a break." He rubbed his eyes, picked up the cocktail list. "What on earth is a grasshopper?" he wondered alound. Sarah laughed. "A minty concoction. Try it, you'll like it." Anderson appeared unconvinced, but decided to be adventurous. He called a waiter over, gave his order, and added a second kir for Sarah, despite her protestations that one was enough. They sat in companionable silence for a while. Then Sarah, unable to take it any longer, broke the ice. "Look, Jack, about this morning... if you're not sure..." Anderson looked at her in alarm. "Not sure? Sarah, I'm surer of this than I am of many other things. Don't be so insecure -- sorry, no offence meant!" he added quickly, seeing Sarah's stricken face. "Yes, I'm sure," he repeated softly. Their drinks arrived. Anderson made a face at the green liquid, but as soon as he took a sip, a smile spread across his face. "Aaaaah....where was this little treasure when I was a student?" "Grasshoppers have been around for ever, Jack", laughed Sarah. "The question is, where were you when you were a student? Apart from the library?" He nodded morosely. "Yup, that's where I was. Now, back to our topic...Don't you ever ask me again if I'm sure! But, may I ask, are you?" Sarah leaned over the bar, kissed him gently on the mouth. "That's my answer." "Oh, I just remembered," said Anderson, picking a blue-covered folder out of his briefcase. "The lastest info on Spectran defense fortifications. I just got it off President Kane, and I got a copy for you too." Sarah laughed, took the folder. "I will treasure this for ever," she told Anderson, placing, however, the folder next to her without reading it. "Now come here.".//

That's interesting that in other countries (well, Canada and the UK, anyhow) that it's 50 and up. In the US the recommendation is definitely 40 and up, and repeated every 1-2 years. Daniella, you have to admit that when you're in your 20s (and younger) 40s and 50s sound like 'old lady'! As for being old... I agree, all of us here are definitely 'young at heart', but on the exterior... well, there are certain things that can't (visually) be denied...

WOw, Anderson needs some 'smooth' lessons! Callling her 'insecure', and then when she kisses him he pulls out a work folder? Yikes! At least none of this deters Sarah... And I see you found a way to bring in the grasshopper! I'm still thinking of Raj, though...

KT--glad you are liking it...I like antagonism and tension. Both Ryu and Joe have reasons for what they believe is going to be the best for Iona, no whether or not it works out remains to be seen. Chris--they did meet, and actually spoke a bit. I have it written up where they actually conversed while Joe and Ryu are arguing in the background. TJ-Joe's reasons have to do with Nambu's agreement, and some of his own...all which will be revealed later on. Daniella-I really wouldn't want to cross any of them if they were in a 'mood,' but I also know that as part of the martial arts training, control is everything.

Daniella - at last they get a proper date, but why am I not surprised that the Chief goes all formal as soon as she attempts to get closer to him?

Nice little continuation Daniella as these two fumble their way forward in a relationship heading into a time of global crisis....I felt sorry for both Sarah, and for Anderson--well done.

DT -- I couldn't help letting out a "Woo hoo!" when Sara planted that kiss! Nice to see things progressing. Now, I must address a more serious topic.... As a person who ended up getting a full hip replacement in her 30's, I hereby declare the topic of what makes a person "old" closed! Got it? Or do I have to hunt each and every one of you down to smack upside the head?!

A person feels old only if he/she does let himself/herself feel old! That's how I think about the subject ... says she who many a time still thinks like a child, albeit her age, and still tries to continue doing many of those things which she did in her jeuvinile past, along with the present trends, especially when trying to remain young in front of the eyes of her kids (even though who knows what others might think about me!)! Always if your health lets you, since as TJ is saying, even though you might still feel young at heart, your body, apart from looks, could be telling another story! This I'm saying since I must admit that my body sometimes does everything to impede me from feeling so! That's my biggest frustration! But ... what the heck ... even though I'd have to grit my teeth to dance, or do any other physical activity, I'd never say no until there'd be a full, necessary ban! Others might not understand what I'd be going through in the inside, but I'd like to let things stay like so! Now, I must run to avoid EW's smacking, since I'm now also realising that she has so adamantly declared the subject "closed"!!!! My one excuse is that I joined in late .... ? As to mammograms, I'm not exactly sure, but I think that here the recommendation is that of starting at your 40's, unless you'd have a genetic history. TJ ... I guess I know what Jun meant when she said that she had undergone so many treatments/surgeries when she was young without giving them much importance, differently from this present of hers! I can relate with her since I had never thought of consequences as much as I think about a lot of them now as a mother/wife! When you have the responsibility of taking care of others, who need you in every aspect, it's only normal to try and take care more of oneself in order to be able to take care of the others around you! I totally love the way you introduced this subject!

k2 ... I couldn't help giggling reading about the Owl's urge of giving the Condor a piece of his mind, or better, a taste of his knuckles! The tension between the two has surely not subsided, yet! I wonder if Ken, or any of the others, would pick up some of this tension when they'd meet up! Daniella ... Anderson wouldn't have been himself if he didn't find a file to save him from such a situation, wouldn't he?!! But, I'm glad that Sarah is able to ignore everything, and to continue to endeavour in getting what she wants!

EW: Topic closed, topic closed!

Originally posted by gatchamarie k2 ... I couldn't help giggling reading about the Owl's urge of giving the Condor a piece of his mind, or better, a taste of his knuckles! The tension between the two has surely not subsided, yet! I wonder if Ken, or any of the others, would pick up some of this tension when they'd meet up!

Tension? What tension? Hee hee....

Daniella - loving this! Sarah has the patience of a saint.

DT: I broke my brain imagining anyone thinking of Anderson as "adorable" hehe ... very cute ... And my motto in life is "Youth is fleeting, but immaturity is forever."